Easter Message of the Chairman of the Synod of Bishops of the Catholic Orthodox Apostolic Church

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we gather once again to celebrate the glorious feast of Pascha, my heart overflows with joy and gratitude for the boundless mercy and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this sacred season, we are called to reflect upon the profound mysteries of His death, burial, and resurrection, and to draw closer to the divine light that shines from His holy tomb.

In the darkness of the tomb, we find the promise of new life. For just as Christ emerged victorious from the grave, so too we share in His triumph over death. This Paschal mystery is not an event of the past, but a living reality that unfolds in our midst, offering us hope.

Through the death of Christ, we are purified from the stains of our transgressions, washed clean by the precious blood that flowed from His sacred wounds. In His burial, we are reminded of the humility and obedience that mark the path to true discipleship. And in His glorious resurrection, we are illumined by the radiant light of His love, which pierces through the darkness of sin and death, and transforms our lives forever.

Let us embrace this Paschal mystery with open hearts, allowing its transformative power to penetrate the depths of our being. Let us allow ourselves to be purified by the fire of divine love, so that we may shine forth as beacons of hope in a world shrouded in darkness. And let us rejoice in the knowledge that through Christ's death and resurrection, we are not only saved but glorified, united with Him in the eternal communion of saints.

May this holy season of Pascha be for each of us a time of renewal and rebirth guided by the light of Christ's love. And may we, through our words and deeds, bear witness to the transforming power of the resurrection, that all may come to know the His joy and peace.

With paternal blessings and prayers for each of you, I remain,

Yours in Christ

Metropolitan Mark